Purpose :
Myopia is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, which is of serious concern as high levels of myopia may lead to potentially avoidable blinding conditions. Several studies have been completed to identify and evaluate strategies to slow the progression of myopia in children. However, the effectiveness and compliance with any strategy may be hindered by user understanding, or specifically its necessity and consequence. This study aimed to quantify parents’ understanding of myopia, the adverse effects of high levels of myopia, and myopia control. Factors that impact parent’s decision-making when selecting treatment for myopia control were also explored.

Methods :
Parents of children 15 years of age or younger were invited to participate in a multi-center study. First, participants completed an electronic or paper version of a four question survey assessing their knowledge of complications of high myopia as well as their basic knowledge about myopia control. Participants willing to complete a second survey were provided additional questions assessing knowledge and perceptions of myopia and myopia control both before and after they watched a specifically designed parent-focused educational video.

Results :
Ninety-six participants completed the initial survey and 54 participants completed the follow up survey. Eighty eight percent of participants were unaware of complications associated with high myopia, and 87% were unaware of possible methods to slow the progression of myopia. After watching an educational video about myopia-control options, 66% of the participants stated they would be interested in pursuing myopia control for their children. Thirty-seven percent of participants chose orthokeratology as their preferred option for myopia control over multifocal contact lenses, bifocal spectacles, undercorrection, and pharmaceutical eye drops. Forty-one percent of participants stated safety of the treatment was considered the top concern when considering myopia control, followed by complications, cost, proven efficacy, and time involved. Respondents stated that they would be interested in pursuing myopia control, if insurance covered, on average, 69% of the treatment cost.

Conclusions :
Parents in this study were grossly unaware of the complications associated with high myopia, as well as methods to possibly slow the progression of myopia in children. Appropriate strategies to educate parents may aid use and acceptance of myopia control strategies.

This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2016 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, Wash., May 1-5, 2016.